WHO recommends Phase III trial of Ebola vaccine against Bundibugyo virus
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WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus announced a recommendation for a Phase III trial of the Ervebo vaccine to determine its efficacy against the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This decision followed animal studies indicating potential cross-protection, as no licensed vaccines currently exist for this specific strain. The DRC is managing its 17th Ebola outbreak, which has resulted in 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths across five provinces and 53 health zones, making it the second-largest Ebola outbreak on record. The virus, which has also spread to Uganda, is currently outpacing the transmission rates of previous outbreaks at similar stages.
Consequences
If the Phase III trial proves successful, the Ervebo vaccine could provide the first licensed medical intervention for the Bundibugyo virus, potentially curbing the current record-setting outbreak. Rapid mobilization of this trial is expected to rely on continued collaboration between the DRC government, the WHO, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
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